Am I required to pay taxes on the money I earn caring for children in my home?

Yes, you are considered a self-employed small business, and, therefore, must report your income, including county payments because taxes are not withheld. Additional Information. [Top of page]

Will the county pay a certified provider to provide care in the child's home?

This only occurs in rare cases when pre-approved by the county. [Top of page]

What are the benefits of becoming a certified provider?

As a certified provider, you will be able to care for children who receive county assistance, your name will be included in the 4-C Referral database, and you can enroll in the Child and Adult Care Food Program to get a portion of your food costs reimbursed. In addition, you will receive support from the 4-C Certification Department. [Top of page]

How much will I be paid to care for a child whose family is receiving county assistance?

The rate of pay is determined by the county and is based on the parent's income and family size. [Top of page]

How many children can I care for when there are two providers in the home?

Even with two providers in the home, the number of children you may care for may not exceed three unrelated children under the age of seven at any one time. [Top of page]

How many children can I care for as a certified provider?

Certified providers can care for 3 unrelated children under the age of 7 at any one time. The group size can never exceed 6 which includes provider’s own children under the age of 7. See Group/Size Estimator and the 4-C Ratio Chart for more information. [Top of page]

Do I need to submit a Background Information Disclosure (BID) form for someone who is visiting my home?

A BID needs to be submitted for anyone who has regular contact with the day care children including all residents age 12 and older. [Top of page]

Do I need to have a crib or pack'n play if I care for infants?

Yes, infants who are under the age of one need to be placed in a pack'n play or crib to nap. [Top of page]

Can neighbor kids come over to play or can my son have his friend over during child care hours?

A certified provider should not care for more than the allowable number of children and must ensure the child care children receive adequate care and supervision. If your own child, who is over age seven, has neighborhood children/friends visiting and on the premises, they will be counted in the group size if there is not an adult/guardian that the child can quickly return to. Any visiting children under age seven will be counted in the group size. It is also important for you, as a caregiver, to ensure that the presence of non-client children in the home does not compromise the care and supervision of the child care children. [Top of page]

Can a certified provider claim county attendance when a subsidized child is not in care?

No, certified providers are paid based on when the children are actually in care. [Top of page]

Will the county pay a certified provider to provide care for a child who lives in the provider's home?

Certified family child care providers in Wisconsin are not required to carry liability insurance, but are required to notify parents in writing of their insurance coverage. 4-C suggests that providers carry liability insurance if they are able to. [Top of page]